Fears raised over safety

Councillor calls for lifeguard at Broughty Ferry beach

FEARS have been raised that lives are being put at risk due to the lack of a lifeguard at Broughty Ferry.

With lockdown significantly eased in time for the summer holidays and warmer weather, young families and teenagers have been flocking to the waterfront.

But Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan has raised concerns at the lack of lifeguard provision.

Craig said: “I don’t know why there isn’t one, but it is a cause of great concern to me that for the first time in a long time the beach doesn’t have a lifeguard.

“I am genuinely concerned that lives, particularly young lives, are being put at risk because of this.

“Only around a week ago I was told two young girls had got into difficulty at the area near Broughty Castle and it was only thanks to a passing off-duty police officer that they got help very quickly.”

Craig said he felt the Ferry drew large crowds, making it essential to have a lifegaurd in place. He added: “It gives families peace of mind when they are at the beach, particularly with young children, that there is someone there whose job it is to keep a close eye on everyone.

“Lifeguards also have first aid training so are able to help out with other incidents and accidents.”

“The council has said extra warning signs have been put in place but there are plenty of youngsters who might feel tempted to jump into the water and they won’t bother looking at signs.”

The councillor has contacted Leisure and Culture Dundee and Dundee City Council to call for a lifeguard to be returned to the beach.

Craig said he had also raised the issue with Broughty Ferry Community Council, which is supportive of his plea.

Meanwhile, talks are under way between the community council and Police Scotland over installing a “pop-up Jim”. The lifesize cutouts, of a policeman holding a speed gun, are being piloted in the city as a means of deterring drivers from going too fast.

Leisure and Culture Dundee and police have been approached for comment.

Councillor Duncan fears the signs are not enough to keep people safe.